Shopping trip planner

ABSTRACT

A system and method of an intelligent shopping infrastructure is provided. A data storage of current inventory from a plurality of merchants is maintained. User preferences that indicate an item affinity of a user are retrieved. Furthermore, a location of the user is detected. Using the detected location, available inventory, and item affinity, an available item from the current inventory of a merchant located within a predetermined distance to the location of the user that match the item affinity of the user is identified. The available item is presented on a user interface of a client device of the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Serial No. 61/904,449 filed on Nov. 14, 2013 andentitled “Shopping Trip Planner,” which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to data analysis and, in aspecific example embodiment, to providing an intelligent shoppinginfrastructure.

BACKGROUND

Typically, when a user wants items from more than one merchant, the userhas to shop each of the merchants individually, maintain separateshopping carts that are processed separately, and arrange to pick upfrom each location of the merchants or have the items delivered in aplurality of packages. Additionally, the user may be hesitant tocomplete a transaction if the user cannot see, feel, or try on certainitems. This leads to the user abandoning a shopping session or ashopping cart that has items in it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various ones of the appended drawings merely illustrate exampleembodiments of the present invention and cannot be considered aslimiting its scope.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of anetwork architecture of a system used to provide an instant stylist.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of amarketplace system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example user engine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example merchant engine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example collection engine

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method for managing an order at amarketplace system.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method for processing an order ata merchant.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example method for upselling to a user.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an example method for processing an itemcollection order.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for providing a localshopping opportunity.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an example method for providing shoppingtrip planning

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an example method for providing shoppingplanning at a kiosk.

FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of a machine in an example form ofa computing system within which a set of instructions for causing themachine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed hereinmay be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows includes systems, methods, techniques,instruction sequences, and computing machine program products thatembody illustrative embodiments of the present invention. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide an understanding of variousembodiments of the inventive subject matter. It will be evident,however, to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the inventivesubject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Ingeneral, well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures, andtechniques have not been shown in detail.

Example embodiments described herein provide systems and methods forproviding an intelligent shopping infrastructure. The intelligentshopping infrastructure takes advantage of a user device that allowstransmission of information to and from a user interface of the userdevice with a networked system that can monitor user preferences andaffinities, detect user location, maintain merchant inventory, andtrigger transactions between the user and one or more merchants. Inexample embodiments, a data storage of current inventory from aplurality of merchants affiliated with a marketplace system ismaintained. User preferences that indicate an item affinity of a user(e.g., brands, merchants, types of items) are accessed and retrieved.Additionally, a location of the user is detected. Using the detectedlocation, available inventory, and item affinity, an available item fromthe current inventory of a merchant located within a predetermineddistance to the location of the user that match the item affinity of theuser is identified. The available item is presented on a user interfaceof a client device of the user.

With reference to FIG. 1, an example embodiment of a high-levelclient-server-based network architecture 100 to provide the intelligentshopping infrastructure is shown. A networked system 102, in an exampleform of a network-server-side functionality, is coupled via acommunication network 104 (e.g., the Internet, wireless network,cellular network, or a Wide Area Network (WAN)) to a client device 106.The networked system 102 is also coupled via the communication network104 to a plurality of merchant systems 108.

The client device 106 may comprise a mobile phone, desktop computer,laptop, or any other communication device that a user may utilize toaccess the networked system 102. In some embodiments, the client device106 may comprise a display module (not shown) to display information(e.g., in the form of user interfaces). In further embodiments, theclient device 106 may comprise one or more of a touch screen,accelerometer, camera, microphone, and Global Positioning System (GPS)device. The client device 106 may be a device of a user, which is usedto search or browse for information (e.g., publications, news items,products for sale), provide user inputs, and receive results from thenetworked system 102. In one embodiment, the networked system 102includes or is linked to a network-based marketplace that managesdigital goods, publishes publications comprising product listings ofproducts or items available on the network-based marketplace, andmanages payments for these marketplace transactions.

FIG. 1 illustrates, for example, the client device 106 having a shopperapplication 110 executing thereon. The shopper application 110 enablesthe user device 106 to interface with the networked system 102 in orderto search for, locate (e.g., on a map), purchase, or hold items ofinterest for the user. Accordingly, the shopper application 110 providesa plurality of user interfaces that allow the user to perform searches,receive results, receive recommendations and promotions, view maps orlocations of items or merchants, place orders, place items on hold, orreturn items.

In a further embodiment, the networked system 102 may also be linked toa plurality of merchants via their respective merchant systems 108. Eachof the merchant systems 108 may comprise a merchant application 112. Themerchant application 112 may provide information (e.g., inventory,sales, promotions, purchases made by users) to the networked system 102,which may be shared by the networked system 102 with a user of theclient device 106 via the shopper application 110. Additionally, themerchant application 112 may receive information (e.g., user shoppingpreferences, orders, item holds, recommendations for users) from thenetworked system 102.

An Application Program Interface (API) server 114 and a web server 116are coupled to, and provide programmatic and web interfaces respectivelyto, one or more application servers 118. The application servers 118host a marketplace system 120, which may comprise one or more modules,applications, or engines, each of which may be embodied as hardware,software, firmware, or any combination thereof. The application servers118 are, in turn, coupled to one or more database servers 124facilitating access to one or more information storage repositories,data stores, or databases 126. In one embodiment, the databases 126 arestorage devices that store merchant data (e.g., inventory, location,promotions, sales), user data (e.g., profile, preferences, past shoppinghistory, past browsing history), and transaction data (e.g., orders,item holds).

The marketplace system 120 provides an intelligent shoppinginfrastructure that leverages user location, preferences, and affinities(e.g., past transactions, past browsing history) with merchantinformation (e.g., current inventory, promotions) to facilitate atransaction. In example embodiments, the marketplace system 120 receivessearch parameters, performs searches for the items based on the searchparameters, process orders and holds for items, manages delivery andreturns, and provides recommendations based on location, affinities, andpast histories, among other operations. The marketplace system 120 willbe discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 2 below.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an example block diagram illustrating multiplecomponents that, in one embodiment, are provided within the marketplacesystem 120 is shown. The marketplace system 120 performs operations thatprovide an intelligent shopping infrastructure. To enable theseoperations, the marketplace system 120 comprises a user engine 202, amerchant engine 204, a collections engine 206, and a transaction engine208. The multiple components themselves are communicatively coupled(e.g., via appropriate interfaces), either directly or indirectly, toeach other and to various data sources (e.g., the databases 126), toallow information to be passed between the components or to allow thecomponents to share and access common data. Thus, the marketplace system120 is coupled to, and exchanges information with, the databases 126.

The user engine 202 manages operations with respect to users (e.g.,consumers) of the marketplace system 120. In example embodiments, theuser engine 202 monitors actions performed by the user via, for example,the shopper application 110 on their user device 106. The actions mayinclude browses and searches, purchases made, items saved to a wishlistor watchlist, and items saved to a cart but not purchased. The userengine 202 may also track a user's location via their client device 106.The user engine 202 will be discussed in more detail in connection withFIG. 3 below.

The merchant engine 204 manages operations with respect to merchantsthat are affiliated with the marketplace system 120. In exampleembodiments, merchants exchange information with the marketplace system120 in order to facilitate transactions with users. Accordingly, themerchant may transmit location and inventory information to themarketplace system 120 while receiving order and hold notifications aswell as consumer upsell information. The merchant engine 204 will bediscussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 4 below.

The collections engine 206 manages item collections at the marketplacesystem 120. An item collection may comprise a plurality of items thatare compatible and may be ideal to be purchased together (e.g., in orderto complete a project or for a particular look/style). The collectionsengine 206 will be discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 5below.

The transaction engine 208 manages transactions initiated with themarketplace system 120. Accordingly, the transaction engine 208 mayprocess an order (e.g., collect payment and confirm delivery), and causethe merchant engine 204 to provide notification and to one or moremerchants regarding the order (e.g., package and deliver items, holditems) along with managing payment to the one or more merchants. Thetransaction engine also provides transaction information to the userengine 202 to update preferences of the user (e.g., update purchasehistory).

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example block diagram illustratingcomponents that, in one embodiment, are provided within the user engine202 is shown. The user engine 202 manages operations with respect tousers (e.g., consumers) of the marketplace system 120. To enable theseoperations, the user engine 202 comprises a profile module 302,preference module 304, and a location module 306.

The profile module 302 manages a user profile for each user of themarketplace system 120. In example embodiments, the user creates andmaintains an account (e.g., via the use of the shopper application 110)with the marketplace system 120, whereby user information is stored tothe user profile. The user profile may include, for example, a user'saddress, billing information (e.g., credit cards and billing addresses),credit worthiness, income, and financial information (e.g., bankaccounts). User profile information may be stored in the databases 126and be accessed, retrieved, or updated by the profile module 302.

The preference module 304 monitors and analyzes user action to determineaffinities for each user. Accordingly, the preference module 304monitors actions performed by the user via their user device 106. Theactions may include, for example, browses and searches for items ofinterest, purchases made, items saved to a wishlist or watchlist, anditems added to a cart but not purchased. These actions may be stored tothe database 126 in association with an account or the user profile ofthe user. In example embodiments, the preference module 304 analyzes thestored actions to determine purchase habits, brand affinities, merchantaffinities among other preferences. The preferences are also stored tothe database 126 to be used later to provide recommendations to theuser.

The location module 306 monitors a user's location via their clientdevice 106. In example embodiments a location device (e.g., globalpositioning system (GPS) device) in the client device 106 provideslocation information to the location module 306. The location module306, in turn, may use or provide the location information to otherengines in the marketplace system 120 in order to provide merchant anditem results or recommendations that are located within a predetermineddistance to the user. The predetermined distance may comprise, forexample, a walking distance of the user, a driving distance of the user,and a delivery distance to the user (e.g., continental U.S.).

Referring now to FIG. 4, an example block diagram illustrating multiplecomponents that, in one embodiment, are provided within the merchantengine 204 is shown. The merchant engine 204 manages item searches,order processing, and delivery among other operations that areassociated with merchants. As such, the merchant engine 204 comprises aninventory module 402, a shopping module 404, a notification module 406,a delivery module 408, a consumer module 410, and a map module 412.

The inventory module 402 manages inventory information for each merchantaffiliated with the marketplace system 120. In example embodiments, themerchant application 112 shares with the marketplace system 120, orprovides access to, inventory information. As a result, the marketplacesystem 120 is able to maintain a current inventory of available itemsfor each merchant, and can track inventory in each store of a merchant.

The shopping module 404 manages searches by the user for items.Accordingly, the shopping module 404 receives search terms from theclient device 106 and performs a search for items that match the searchterms. Alternatively, the shopping module 404 receives browseinstructions whereby the user navigates through categories andsub-categories to reach items of interest. Search or browse results(e.g., information on items of interest) are transmitted back by theshopping module 404 in response to a search or browse request from theclient device 106. Search and browse inputs as well as results are alsostored to the user preferences.

In some embodiments, the shopping module 404 automatically factors inthe user's location, as determined by the location module 306, indetermining search results to return to the client device 106. In otherembodiments, the user's location triggers the shopping module 404 toprovide search results to the user without any request by the user. Themarketplace system 120 is aware of items that the user has expressedinterest in via the preference module 304 (e.g., via saving to awishlist, item viewed at an online store, item left in cart, itemsbrowsed or searched for in the past). Additionally, the marketplacesystem 120 is aware of the current location of the user. Accordingly,based on the user being in a particular location, the shopping module404 can initiate a search for one or more of these items that the userhad expressed interest in, and determine whether those items areavailable near the user. The shopping module 404 may also determinewhether to present the item to the user based on whether the item iscurrently on sale or has a promotion.

For example, if the user was searching for a particular cable on eBay,but did not purchase the cable, and is now in a location that is near anelectronic store where the same cable is on sale, the shopping module404 can transmit item information (e.g., an offer to purchase) to theclient device 106 informing the user of the item nearby. Additionally,since the marketplace system 102 is aware of the inventory at a locationof the merchant, the shopping module 404 will not provide the iteminformation if the nearby merchant is out of stock on the item. In oneembodiment, the shopping module 404 may present the item information ina user interface that allows the user to place an order for the item,and have the item set aside for pickup.

In another example, a general feed of items that may be of interestbased on the user's profile and preferences in a location of the usermay be provided. The general feed may include information about the area(e.g., user is near a cool shopping district). Additionally, theshopping module 404 can recommend a store that may be interesting to theuser based on profile and preference information (e.g., male, likes aparticular kind of fashion, follows a particular brand) and surface thatstore to the user. Deals and sales from merchants in the local area mayalso be transmitted in the general feed to the user device 106.

The shopping module 404 also maintains a shopping cart where itemsselected by the user from one or more merchants may be placed until theuser completes the transaction with the transaction engine 208. As such,the shopping module 404 receives a selection of the item of interest ofinterest and places the item in the shopping cart. Because themarketplace system 120 comprises a plurality of affiliated merchants,the shopping module 404 has the ability to maintain a single shoppingcart for multiple merchants.

The notification module 406 manages notifications to the merchants ofcompleted orders or transactions. With an order where all items are froma single merchant, the notification module 406 sends a notification tothe single merchant to package the items in the order for pickup ordelivery. In the case where the order is from two or more merchants, thenotification module 406 sends a notification to each of the merchants topackage up the items. Additionally, the notification module 406 mayindicate a central location to take the packaged items. For example,each merchant may be notified to place their items from an order in aparticular locker or to take the items to one of the merchants involvedin a multi-merchant order (e.g., a centrally located merchant). Thelocker may be at a mall or location that is accessible for long periodsof time (e.g., 24 hours a day).

Further still, the order may include items that the user would like totry on. For example, the user may select several tops for purchase andindicate two different sizes for a pair of pants. The user pays for thetops and one pair of the pants in order to complete the transaction viathe shopper application 110. In turn, the merchant is notified to setaside and hold the two different sized of the pants for the user to tryon when the user comes into the store to pick up the tops. The user canthen try on the two pairs of pants and take one of the pairs withouthaving to initiate a separate transaction.

The delivery module 408 manages delivery of items that have beenordered. As discussed, the notification to a merchant may indicate acentral location that the item(s) in an order should be deposited forpickup. For example, the central location may be a pickup locker. Thedelivery module 408 may indicate a particular locker to place theitem(s). In some cases, the delivery module 408 may also provide anaccess code to both the merchant and the user (e.g., consumer) thatallows access to the particular locker.

In example embodiments, the locker is also used to receive returns.Because the marketplace system 120 facilitates transactions across manymerchants and stores purchase histories for these merchants, themarketplace system 120 can manage returns through the locker by use ofthe purchase histories. For example, the user can browse their purchasehistory and indicate one or more items they would like to return (e.g.,not necessary from the same merchant). Instead of having to go to eachindividual merchant or store location to return the items, the user cansimply place all the items into an assigned locker and indicate, usingthe shopper application 110 to the delivery module 408 that the itemshave been placed in the locker. The delivery module 408 then notifiesthe proper merchants of the return, and the merchant can access thelocker to retrieve the items.

The consumer module 410 provides recommendations based on the userprofile and affinities. As discussed with respect to the user engine202, the marketplace system 120 stores information about user including,for example, credit worthiness, income, purchase habits, store affinity,and brand affinity. As the user comes into a store (e.g., checks in withthe store or client device 106 is detected in the location of thestore), the consumer module 410 can inform store personnel about thepresence of the user. For example, an identity of the user along withrecommendations for the user may be pushed to a device of an associateat the store. The recommendation may include a particular brand that theuser likes that is available at the store (e.g. based on the inventoryinformation maintained by the inventory module 402). In another example,the recommendation may be based on the user having a child that isheading back to school (e.g., determined from user profile information),and may recommend school supplies that are on sale. Alternatively, therecommendations may be pushed to the client device 106 of the user.Further still, if the user is there to pick up an order that they hadplaced (e.g., via the shopper application 110), the recommendation mayinclude a discount if the user adds the item to their order.Accordingly, the consumer module 410 provides targeted offers that arehighly contextual to users in the store.

The map module 412 manages shopping trip planning, and can transmit mapinformation to a user interface of the client device 106. In a localshopping embodiment, the user searches for items in a particularneighborhood or area. When an item of interest is found, the map module412 places the item (or merchant location of the item) on a map that istransmitted to the user interface of the client device 106. The user mayadd other items from other merchants, or the consumer module 410 mayrecommend items from other merchant locations based on proximity anduser affinities. The map module 412 may indicate a path to all the itemsalong with distances between the merchant locations and the user'slocation. The user may remove items or merchant locations (e.g., byselecting and deleting. The map module 412 determines an optimal routeor path for the user. However, the user can rearrange the route. In someembodiments, the user can reserve the item(s) via the user interface onthe client device 106.

In another embodiment, the map module 412 provides in-store maps basedon a search result. For example, the user may access a kiosk in a storeor otherwise perform a search for an item within the store using theirshopper application 110. The kiosk or shopper application 110 knows thelocation of the user and thus knows the merchant or store that the useris at. The search module 404 may present a user interface that comprisesa questionnaire and based on the answers, an item is recommended. Theitem may be displayed on a map of the store to the user. In the case ofthe kiosk, a code (e.g., QR code) may be scanned to upload the map tothe client device 106. Alternatively, the user may enter an identifierof the client device 106 (e.g., phone number of the smartphone) on thekiosk, and the map is transmitted to the client device 106 (e.g., textor email).

Referring now to FIG. 5, an example block diagram illustrating multiplecomponents that, in one embodiment, are provided within the collectionengine 206 is shown. The collection engine 206 manages item collectionsat the marketplace system 120. An item collection may comprise aplurality of items that are compatible and may be ideal to be purchasedtogether. Accordingly, the collection engine 206 comprises a curationmodule 502, an option module 504, and an instruction module 506.

The curation module 502 manages organization of items into curated itemcollections. In some embodiments, the item collection is based onpreexisting content such as information licensed from shows (e.g., homeimprovement shows), material lists for construction, magazine layouts,or publications. The curation module 502 may automatically create itemcollections by processing material lists into shoppable collections.Further still, a combination of automated and manual process (e.g., viaan operator interacting with the curation module 502) may be used togenerate the item collections. As a result, the user can shop for acomplete project (e.g., item collection) instead of just one item withinthe project.

The option module 504 manages options that are available for itemcollections. In example embodiments, the search module 404 may return anitem collection based on a search for a particular item in the itemcollection. The item collection will indicate the searched for itemalong with other items that go with the search for item for some reason.Some of the items may be required and are selected by default. However,options may be available for other items (e.g., different style, color,material). These options may be determined and presented by the optionmodule 504 to the user interface of the client device 106. The user maythen select and deselect different options for the item collection. Insome embodiments, the options are determined prior to the searchperformed by the user (e.g., at the time of curation of the itemcollection). In other embodiments, the options may be determined at thetime of the search (e.g., on-the-fly).

The instruction module 506 manages instructions associated with itemcollections. In the case where the item collection involves a project,such as a home improvement project, the instruction module 506 providesaccess to instructions for completing the project. In some cases, theinstructions (or access to the instructions) may be provided to the uservia a user interface of the client device after the user purchases theitem collection.

Although the various components of the marketplace system 120 and itsengines have been defined in terms of a variety of individual modules, askilled artisan will recognize that many of the components can becombined or organized in other ways and that not all modules or enginesneed to be present or implemented in accordance with exampleembodiments. Furthermore, not all components of the marketplace system120 have been included or discussed. In general, components, protocols,structures, and techniques not directly related to functions ofexemplary embodiments have not been shown or discussed in detail. Thedescription given herein simply provides a variety of exemplaryembodiments to aid the reader in an understanding of the systems andmethods used herein.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method 600 for managing an orderat a marketplace system. The method 600 allows the user to shop foritems using the shopper application 110, select items to try on at astore, and complete the transaction. In operation 602, search parametersare received by the search module 404 from the client device 106. Thesearch parameters may comprise search terms (e.g., keywords) orinstructions to browse through categories and sub-categories to items ofinterest. For example, the user may shop for clothing via the shopperapplication 110.

In operation 604, results are determined and transmitted to the userdevice 106 for display on a user interface. Accordingly, the searchmodule 404 performs a search for items that match the search terms ornavigates through categories and sub-categories to reach the item ofinterest. The search or browse results (e.g., listing for the item,product page of the item) are transmitted back by the search module 404to the client device 106. For example, the user may navigate or bedirected to a webpage for an item of clothing based on the searchparameters.

In operation 606, a selection of the item of interest is received.Accordingly, the user may decide to purchase, hold, or try on the itemand provide an indication or selection of the item. The search module404 receives the selection.

In operation 608, a determination is made, by the shopping module 404,as to whether the selection includes an indication to try on theselected item. For example, the user may select a pair of pants andindicate two different sizes that the user would like to try on. If theselection includes the indication to try on the item, the selection ismarked as a try on item in operation 610, and added to the shopping cartin operation 612. However, if the selection is not a try on item, thenthe selection may be directly added to the cart in operation 612 afterselection in operation 606.

In operation 614, a determination is made as to whether another searchand selection is made. For example, after adding the pair of pants tothe shopping cart, the user may decide to search for shirts. If anothersearch is determined, then the method 600 returns to operation 602.

However, if the user is finished shopping, then the order is processedin operation 616. Accordingly, the transaction engine 208 processes theorder. The processing of the order may include one or more of receivingpayment and billing information, indicating a location where the itemswill be delivered or pick-up from, and providing order confirmationinformation. In one embodiment, the user pays for the selections markedas try on items. For example, the user pays for one pair of the pantsthat is marked to be tried on at the merchant location even though twodifferent sizes of the pants are in the shopping cart.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method 700 for processing anorder at a merchant. In response to the transaction engine 208processing the order, a notification is sent by the notification module406 to the merchant(s) having the items in the order to process theorder at the merchant location in operation 702. The notification may bereceived by the merchant application 112 at the merchant system 108.

In response to receiving the notification, the merchant (e.g., anemployee of the merchant) gathers the item(s) in the order in operation704. The merchant determines, in operation 706, whether any of the itemsare try on items. If there are try on items, the try on items are setaside (e.g., held) for the user in operation 708. For example, the tryon items may be placed in a dressing room.

The remainder of the items (e.g., non-try on items) are packaged forpickup in operation 710. In one embodiment, the packaged items may bedelivered to a locker for user pickup. In an alternative embodiment, thepackaged up items may be delivered to another central location indicatedby the order (e.g., a store central to all the merchants involved in amulti-merchant order).

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example method 800 for upselling to auser. The method 800 may occur after the methods 600 and 700. Inoperation 802, a check-in of the user is received. In exampleembodiments, the user may manually indicate they are in the area of themerchant (e.g., check-in), or the shopper application 110 on the clientdevice 106 may automatically check-in the user when the user is within aparticular distance to the merchant (e.g., determined by GPS). Theindication or check-in is received by the location module 306, andnotification of the user's presence can be provided by the notificationmodule 408 to the merchant application 112 at the merchant system 108.Ideally, the merchant will have the user's items packaged and any try onitems ready for the user to try on.

In operation 804, a determination is made as to whether the user isopted in to receive information from the merchant. Accordingly, thepreference module 304 determines whether the user has indicated thatthey are willing to receiving promotions, sale, or other informationfrom the merchant.

If the user has opted in to receive the information, then the preferencemodule 304 instructs the consumer module 410 to transmit the informationin operation 806. As such, the consumer module 410 transmits information(e.g., promotions or recommendations) based on the user profile and useraffinities. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted to storepersonnel. For example, information for the user is transmitted to adevice (e.g., tablet that has a version of the merchant application 112)of an associate at the store. Alternatively, the information may betransmitted directly to the client device 106 of the user while the useris in or near the store. The information may include, for example, arecommendation of a particular brand, item, or types of items that theuser likes that is available at the store (e.g. based on the inventoryinformation maintained by the inventory module 402). Further still, theinformation may be related to items that the user has already purchased(e.g., that the user is there to pick up), related to an upcoming event(e.g., back to school), or related to individuals the user normallyshops for (e.g., user's children).

In some embodiments, if the user is there to pick up an order that theyhad placed (e.g., via the shopper application 110), the information mayindicate a discount if the user adds the recommended item to theirorder. Accordingly, the consumer module 410 provides targeted offersthat are highly contextual to user while the user is in the store.

A determination is made in operation 808 as to whether the user acceptsany offers, promotions, or recommendations. If the user accepts, thenthe item may be added to their order in operation 810 assuming the useris there to pick up the order. Alternatively, if the user is not at themerchant location to pick up an order, a new order may be created forthe user.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an example method 900 for processing an itemcollection order. The various operations of the method 900 may beperformed by the merchant engine 204 in association with the collectionengine 206. An item collection may comprise a plurality of items thatare compatible and may be ideal to be purchased together, especially inorder to complete a project. The item collection may also includeaccessory items that are needed to complete a project, but that may beoften forgotten by the user (e.g., tools).

In operation 902, search parameters are received by the shopping module404. For example, the user may search for a sink and provide searchparameters for the sink. Additionally, the user may indicate that theywould like to install a new sink as part of a home improvement project.

In operation 904, an item collection and corresponding options aredetermined. Accordingly, the shopping module 404 determines one or moreitem collections that contains at least one item that matches the searchparameters received from the user. For example, the item collection mayinclude a particular sink that the user indicated with the searchparameters. The item collections may also include options for companionitems (e.g., different style, color, material) or optional items. Forexample, options of companion items for the sink may include threedifferent compatible styles or colors of faucets. Optional items mayinclude items that are recommended but not necessary to complete theproject. For example, particular tools needed to install a new sink areoptional items. If the user already has these particular tools, the usercan choose to not purchase these particular tools as part of the itemcollection.

Thus, in one embodiment, a user interface is presented to the user thatillustrates the various items in the item collection along withselection fields (e.g., checkboxes). Items that are required orrecommendation may be checked by default (e.g., sink, silicon tape,wrench). The user can uncheck any recommended items (e.g., optionalitems) that the user does not need (e.g., user already has wrench, souncheck). Additionally, the user can select between different optionsfor companion items (e.g., select one of the three compatible faucets).A determination is made in operation 908 as to whether selections ofoptions (including optional items) are received. If selections arereceived, the (default) item collection is updated with the options inoperation 910. The user interface can be updated to illustrate theupdated item collection (e.g., checkboxes checked and unchecked).

In operation 912, a trigger is received to process the order. Thus, theshopping module 404 may receive the trigger. In some cases, a discountmay be given if the user choses to purchase a certain amount of items inthe collection (e.g., a bundle deal).

In response, the transaction engine 208 processes the order. In oneembodiment, a notification of the order is transmitted to the one ormore merchants selling the items so that the merchant(s) can package upthe order for pickup by the user (e.g., in store, via a locker, via acentral merchant for a plurality of merchants). In an alternativeembodiment, the items in the order may be shipped to the user.

In some embodiments, the user is provided access to instructions uponpurchase of the item collection. In the case where the item collectioninvolves a project, such as a home improvement project, the instructionmodule 506 provides access to instructions for completing the projectvia a user interface of the client device 106. The instructions mayinclude a step-by-step tutorial on how to complete the project. In otherembodiments, the user does not need to purchase the item collection inorder to view the instructions.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method 1000 for providing alocal shopping opportunity. The method 1000 provides automated shoppingopportunities based on a location of the user without any action by theuser. In operation 1002, a location of the user is detected. Forexample, a GPS device in the client device 106 may provide locationinformation to the location module 306.

User affinities are accessed in operation 1004. Accordingly, thepreference module 304 accesses user preference information from thedatabase 126. The user affinities are based on actions performed by theuser such as browses and searches for items of interest, purchases made,items saved to a wishlist or watchlist, and items added to a cart butnot purchased.

Shopping opportunities are identified in operation 1006. Based on thelocation of the user, user affinities, and inventory for merchants inthe same location, the shopping module 404 in conjunction with theconsumer module 410 initiates a search for one or more of items that theuser had expressed interest in, and determine whether those items areavailable at one of the local merchants within a predetermined distanceto the location of the user. The predetermined distance may be a defaultdistance or be set by the user.

In operation 1008, the user is notified about the shopping opportunity.For example, if the user was searching for a particular item online, butdid not purchase the item, and is now in a location within apredetermined distance to a nearby store that sells the same item, theshopping module 404 or consumer module 410 can transmit (or cause to betransmitted) a notification of the shopping opportunity (e.g., iteminformation and an offer to purchase) to the client device 106. Thenotification may include price, promotions, inventory, location of theitem, and distance to the merchant location. A map may also be providedto illustrate a path to the merchant location or item location.

In operation 1010, a determination is made as to whether an indicationto purchase or hold the item is received from the user device 106. Forexample, the item information is presented in an order interface on theclient device 106 that allows the user to place an order for the item orhave the item set aside for pickup. The indication is received by theshopping module 404, and an order may be processed by the transactionengine 208.

If the user selected to purchase or hold the item, the merchant isnotified in operation 1012. Accordingly, the notification module 406transmits a notification to the merchant instructing the merchant topackage the item up for pickup or to set the item aside as a hold or tryon item.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of an example method 1100 for providingshopping trip planning The method 1100 allows the user, via userinterfaces provided to their client device 106, to plan a shopping tripfor one or more items. In operation 1102, search parameters and alocation of interest is received by the shopping module 404. Forexample, the user may be interested in shopping a particularneighborhood, and may indicate that interested to the shopping module404. Alternatively, the location module 306 may detect a location thatthe user is currently at.

In operation 1104, local merchants within a predetermined distance tothe user location (or user indicated location of interest) areidentified by the shopping application 1104. The local merchants aremerchants affiliated with the marketplace system 120 and have agreed toshare information such as inventory with the marketplace system 120.

The shopping module 404 then determines results that match the searchparameters. The results include items from the local merchantsidentified in operation 1104 that are currently available based on theinventory information shared with the marketplace system 120. Theresults are caused to be displayed on a user interface to the clientdevice 106 (via the shopper application 110). The user interface maypresent the items along with a merchant location. In one embodiment, theitems or merchant location are shown on a map on the user interface.

Based on the user selecting an item from the result, the selection isreceived in operation 1108 by the shopping module 404. In response, theshopping module 404 may cause the map module 412 to place the item (ormerchant location of the item) on a shopping trip planning map that willbe transmitted to the user interface of the client device 106.

A determination is made in operation 1110 as to whether another searchis performed or a recommendation to be presented. In some embodiments,the shopper module 404 or consumer module 410 may providerecommendations based on user affinities or provide recommendationsrelated to the selected item from operation 1108 (e.g., an accessory orcompanion item). If another search is performed or a recommendation tobe presented, the method 1110 returns to operation 1106. The shoppingtrip planning map may be continually updated with new selections and asthe user device 106 changes location (e.g., as the user of the userdevice walks along a route on the shopping trip planning map).

Once the user has completed the search for items, the shopping tripplanning map showing all selected items is caused to be presented on theclient device 106 in operation 1112. The shopping trip planning map mayindicate a path to view or pick up all the items along with distancesbetween the merchant locations and the user's location. In exampleembodiments, the map module 412 determines an optimal route or path forthe user (e.g., based on distance, store hours, limited inventory),which the user can rearrange.

In operation 1114, a determination is made as to whether the userrearranges the route. The user may remove items or merchant locations(e.g., by selecting and deleting nodes on the map representing thelocations). The user may also move various nodes representing thelocations to change a sequence of the route (e.g., go to Merchant Bbefore Merchant A). If the user does rearrange the route, the map isupdated and updated map is caused to be displayed in operation 1116.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an example 1200 method for providingshopping planning at a kiosk. The kiosk may comprise or be a part of themerchant system 108 or be a part of the marketplace place system 120.Accordingly, the kiosk may include the merchant application 112 or oneor more of the engines or modules of the marketplace system 120. Thekiosk may be located at a location of a particular merchant affiliatedwith the marketplace system 120, and may be item or gift finder kiosk.

In some embodiments, the kiosk may be equipped with a camera to detectone or more individuals accessing the kiosk. If the kiosk detects thatthe individual is a child, the merchant application 112 may provide agame or other interface for the child. However, if the kiosk detects anadult, the kiosk may present a search interface that allows the adultuser to find an item.

In operation 1202, search parameters are received. The search parametersmay be provided, for example, via a touchscreen on the kiosk. In oneembodiment, the shopping module 404 may cause presentation of the searchinterface on the kiosk that comprises a questionnaire (e.g., gender,age, price range). The user provides answers to the questionnaire which,in turn, are the search parameters.

In operation 1204, results are determined and caused to be displayed tothe user. Accordingly, the shopping module 202 takes the location of theuser (e.g., the store the user is in) along with the search parametersand determine available inventory in the store that match the searchparameters. The results are then presented on the screen of the kiosk.

A selection of an item from the results is received in operation 1206.For example, the user may select, via the touchscreen, an item that theuser wants to buy. In response, an in-store map of a location of theitem is displayed on the kiosk by the map module 412 in operation 1208.

The user may desire to have the map and item location uploaded to theirclient device 106. As such, the user requests the map in operation 1210.For example, a code (e.g., QR code) may be displayed on the kiosk, andthe user scans the code to upload the map to the client device 106.Alternatively, the user may enter an identifier of the client device 106(e.g., phone number of the smartphone) into the kiosk.

In operation 1212, the map is transmitted to the client device 106. Inthe case where the user provides an identifier of the client device 106,the map may be sent, for example, via text or e-mail to the clientdevice 106.

According to various example embodiments, one or more of themethodologies described herein may facilitate completion of atransaction for an item based on known merchant inventory, useraffinities, and location of the user. As such, one or more of themethodologies described herein may obviate a need for certain efforts orresources that otherwise would be involved in searching for items.Computing resources used by one or more machines, databases, or devices(e.g., within the network environment 100) may be reduced. Examples ofsuch computing resources include processor cycles, network traffic,memory usage, data storage capacity, power consumption, and coolingcapacity.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating components of a machine 1300,according to some example embodiments, able to read instructions 1324from a machine-readable medium 1322 (e.g., a non-transitorymachine-readable medium, a machine-readable storage medium, acomputer-readable storage medium, or any suitable combination thereof)and perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, inwhole or in part. Specifically, FIG. 13 shows the machine 1300 in theexample form of a computer system (e.g., a computer) within which theinstructions 1324 (e.g., software, a program, an application, an applet,an app, or other executable code) for causing the machine 1300 toperform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein may beexecuted, in whole or in part.

In alternative embodiments, the machine 1300 operates as a standalonedevice or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In anetworked deployment, the machine 1300 may operate in the capacity of aserver machine or a client machine in a server-client networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment. The machine 1300 may be a server computer, a clientcomputer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a web appliance, a networkrouter, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable ofexecuting the instructions 1324, sequentially or otherwise, that specifyactions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a singlemachine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken toinclude a collection of machines that individually or jointly executethe instructions 1324 to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein.

The machine 1300 includes a processor 1302 (e.g., a central processingunit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor(DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aradio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), or any suitable combinationthereof), a main memory 1304, and a static memory 1306, which areconfigured to communicate with each other via a bus 1308. The processor1302 may contain microcircuits that are configurable, temporarily orpermanently, by some or all of the instructions 1324 such that theprocessor 1302 is configurable to perform any one or more of themethodologies described herein, in whole or in part. For example, a setof one or more microcircuits of the processor 1302 may be configurableto execute one or more modules (e.g., software modules) describedherein.

The machine 1300 may further include a graphics display 1310 (e.g., aplasma display panel (PDP), a light emitting diode (LED) display, aliquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, a cathode ray tube (CRT), orany other display capable of displaying graphics or video). The machine1300 may also include an input device 1312 (e.g., a keyboard or keypad),a cursor control device 1314 (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, ajoystick, a motion sensor, an eye tracking device, or other pointinginstrument), a storage unit 1316, a signal generation device 1318 (e.g.,a sound card, an amplifier, a speaker, a headphone jack, or any suitablecombination thereof), and a network interface device 1320.

The storage unit 1316 includes the machine-readable medium 1322 (e.g., atangible and non-transitory machine-readable storage medium) on whichare stored the instructions 1324 embodying any one or more of themethodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1324 mayalso reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1304, within the processor 1302 (e.g., within the processor's cachememory), or both, before or during execution thereof by the machine1300. Accordingly, the main memory 1304 and the processor 1302 may beconsidered machine-readable media (e.g., tangible and non-transitorymachine-readable media).

In some example embodiments, the machine 1300 may be a portablecomputing device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer, and have oneor more additional input components (e.g., sensors or gauges). Examplesof such input components include an image input component (e.g., one ormore cameras), an audio input component (e.g., a microphone), adirection input component (e.g., a compass), a location input component(e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiver), an orientationcomponent (e.g., a gyroscope), a motion detection component (e.g., oneor more accelerometers), an altitude detection component (e.g., analtimeter), and a gas detection component (e.g., a gas sensor).

Inputs harvested by any one or more of these input components may beaccessible and available for use by any of the modules described herein.

As used herein, the term “memory” refers to a machine-readable mediumable to store data temporarily or permanently and may be taken toinclude, but not be limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-onlymemory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, and cache memory. While themachine-readable medium 1322 is shown in an example embodiment to be asingle medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken toinclude a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to storeinstructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken toinclude any medium, or combination of multiple media, that is capable ofstoring instructions for execution by a machine (e.g., machine 1300),such that the instructions, when executed by one or more processors ofthe machine (e.g., processor 1302), cause the machine to perform any oneor more of the methodologies described herein. Accordingly, a“machine-readable medium” refers to a single storage apparatus ordevice, as well as “cloud-based” storage systems or storage networksthat include multiple storage apparatus or devices. The term“machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but notbe limited to, one or more data repositories in the form of asolid-state memory, an optical medium, a magnetic medium, or anysuitable combination thereof.

Furthermore, the tangible machine-readable medium is non-transitory inthat it does not embody a propagating signal. However, labeling thetangible machine-readable medium as “non-transitory” should not beconstrued to mean that the medium is incapable of movement—the mediumshould be considered as being transportable from one physical locationto another. Additionally, since the machine-readable medium is tangible,the medium may be considered to be a machine-readable device.

The instructions 1324 may further be transmitted or received over acommunications network 1326 using a transmission medium via the networkinterface device 1320 and utilizing any one of a number of well-knowntransfer protocols (e.g., HTTP). Examples of communication networksinclude a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), theInternet, mobile telephone networks, plain old telephone service (POTS)networks, and wireless data networks (e.g., WiFi, LTE, and WiMAXnetworks). The term “transmission medium” shall be taken to include anyintangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carryinginstructions for execution by the machine, and includes digital oranalog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitatecommunication of such software.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a numberof components, modules, or mechanisms. Modules may constitute eithersoftware modules (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium or ina transmission signal) or hardware modules. A “hardware module” is atangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may beconfigured or arranged in a certain physical manner. In various exampleembodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone computersystem, a client computer system, or a server computer system) or one ormore hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a groupof processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application orapplication portion) as a hardware module that operates to performcertain operations as described herein.

In some embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically,electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, ahardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic that ispermanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, ahardware module may be a special-purpose processor, such as afield-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC. A hardware module mayalso include programmable logic or circuitry that is temporarilyconfigured by software to perform certain operations. For example, ahardware module may include software encompassed within ageneral-purpose processor or other programmable processor. It will beappreciated that the decision to implement a hardware modulemechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or intemporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may bedriven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the phrase “hardware module” should be understood toencompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarilyconfigured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or toperform certain operations described herein. As used herein,“hardware-implemented module” refers to a hardware module. Consideringembodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g.,programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured orinstantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where a hardwaremodule comprises a general-purpose processor configured by software tobecome a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor may beconfigured as respectively different special-purpose processors (e.g.,comprising different hardware modules) at different times. Software mayaccordingly configure a processor, for example, to constitute aparticular hardware module at one instance of time and to constitute adifferent hardware module at a different instance of time.

Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive informationfrom, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardwaremodules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiplehardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may be achievedthrough signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses)between or among two or more of the hardware modules. In embodiments inwhich multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated atdifferent times, communications between such hardware modules may beachieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of informationin memory structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access.For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store theoutput of that operation in a memory device to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a latertime, access the memory device to retrieve and process the storedoutput. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input oroutput devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection ofinformation).

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors that aretemporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured toperform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanentlyconfigured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modulesthat operate to perform one or more operations or functions describedherein. As used herein, “processor-implemented module” refers to ahardware module implemented using one or more processors.

Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partiallyprocessor-implemented, a processor being an example of hardware. Forexample, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed byone or more processors or processor-implemented modules. Moreover, theone or more processors may also operate to support performance of therelevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “softwareas a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations maybe performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines includingprocessors), with these operations being accessible via a network (e.g.,the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., anapplication program interface (API)).

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed amongthe one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine,but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments,the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may belocated in a single geographic location (e.g., within a homeenvironment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other exampleembodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modulesmay be distributed across a number of geographic locations.

Some portions of the subject matter discussed herein may be presented interms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on datastored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g.,a computer memory). Such algorithms or symbolic representations areexamples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the dataprocessing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilledin the art. As used herein, an “algorithm” is a self-consistent sequenceof operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In thiscontext, algorithms and operations involve physical manipulation ofphysical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities maytake the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable ofbeing stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwisemanipulated by a machine. It is convenient at times, principally forreasons of common usage, to refer to such signals using words such as“data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,” “elements,” “symbols,”“characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” or the like. These words,however, are merely convenient labels and are to be associated withappropriate physical quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using wordssuch as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,”“presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions orprocesses of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transformsdata represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical)quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory,non-volatile memory, or any suitable combination thereof), registers, orother machine components that receive, store, transmit, or displayinformation. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, theterms “a” or “an” are herein used, as is common in patent documents, toinclude one or more than one instance. Finally, as used herein, theconjunction “or” refers to a non-exclusive “or,” unless specificallystated otherwise.

Although an overview of the inventive subject matter has been describedwith reference to specific example embodiments, various modificationsand changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention. Suchembodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein,individually or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any single invention or inventive concept if more thanone is, in fact, disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed.Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive orexclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided forresources, operations, or structures described herein as a singleinstance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources,operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of thepresent invention. In general, structures and functionality presented asseparate resources in the example configurations may be implemented as acombined structure or resource. Similarly, structures and functionalitypresented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources.These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvementsfall within a scope of embodiments of the present invention asrepresented by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: maintaining a data storageof current inventory from a plurality of merchants; retrieving userpreferences that indicate an item affinity of a user; detecting alocation of the user; identifying, by a hardware processor, an availableitem from the current inventory of a merchant located within apredetermined distance to the location of the user that match the itemaffinity of the user; and causing presentation of the available item ona user interface of a client device of the user.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising: receiving an indication to hold the availableitem; and transmitting a notification to the merchant with instructionsto hold the available item.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving an indication to purchase the available item;processing a purchase transaction for an order including the availableitem; and transmitting a notification to the merchant with instructionsto package the first available item for user pick up.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein a pick up location is a selection from the groupcomprising a locker, a location of the merchant, and a location of asecond merchant, the second merchant being located in a central locationrelative to the merchant and other merchants having items in the order.5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: locating the merchant on amap; and causing a display of the map on the client device, the mapproviding a route to a location of the merchant.
 6. The method of claim5, further comprising: locating other merchants having items of intereston the map; transmitting, to the client device, a route for visiting themerchant and the other merchants, the route indicating distance betweeneach location.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receivingan input to rearrange the route for visiting the merchant and the othermerchants; and transmitting an updated route based on the input.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: locating the available item on anin-store map; and causing display of the in-store map to the user. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the causing the display of the in-storemap comprises transmitting the in-store map to the client device of theuser based on a scanned code.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein thecausing the display of the in-store map comprises transmitting thein-store map to the client device of the user using an identifier of theclient device.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the item affinity ofthe user is based on one or more items left in a cart without purchase.12. The method of claim 1, wherein the item affinity of the user isbased one or more items searched or browsed in the past by the user. 13.The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, via the clientdevice, search parameters for an item of interest from the user;performing a search using the search parameters for items available fromthe current inventory; providing a result of the search to the userinterface of the client device; and receiving a selection of a secondavailable item from the result.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theidentifying the available item occurs after the receiving the selectionof the second available item, the available item being a recommendationprovided in response to the selection of the second available item. 15.The method of claim 13, wherein the causing the presentation of theavailable item comprises causing presentation of a discount to the userfor adding the available item to an order comprising the secondavailable item.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receivingan indication to hold at least two versions of the available item;processing a purchase transaction for an order comprising the twoversions of the available item, the processing comprising charging theuser for purchase of one of the available item; and transmitting anotification to the merchant with instructions to hold the at least twoversions of the available item, the user to receive one of the at leasttwo versions of the available item.
 17. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: maintaining a purchase history of the user from theplurality of merchants; retrieving a past transaction from the purchasehistory in response to a request from the client device; causingpresentation of the retrieved past transaction on the client device, thepresentation including an option to return an item from the pasttransaction; receiving a selection of the option to return the item, theitem to be left at a central location; and transmitting a notificationto a merchant associated with the returned item to retrieve the returneditem from the central location.
 18. A machine-readable medium having notransitory signals and in storing instructions which, when executed bythe at least one processor of a machine, cause the machine to performoperations comprising: maintaining a data storage of current inventoryfrom a plurality of merchants; retrieving user preferences that indicatean item affinity of a user; detecting a location of the user;identifying an available item from the current inventory of a merchantlocated within a predetermined distance to the location of the user thatmatch the item affinity of the user; and causing presentation of theavailable item on a user interface of a client device of the user. 19.The machine-readable medium of claim 17, further comprising: maintaininga purchase history of the user at the plurality of merchants; retrievinga past transaction from the purchase history in response to a requestfrom the client device; causing presentation of the retrieved pasttransaction on the client device, the presentation including an optionto return an item from the past transaction; receiving a selection ofthe option to return the item, the item to be left at a centrallocation; and transmitting a notification to a merchant associated withthe returned item to retrieve the returned item from the centrallocation.
 20. A system comprising: an inventory module to maintain adata storage of current inventory from a plurality of merchants; apreference module to retrieve user preferences that indicate an itemaffinity of a user; a location module to detect a location of the user;and a shopping module, comprising a hardware processor, to identify anavailable item from the current inventory of a merchant located within apredetermined distance to the location of the user that match the itemaffinity of the user, and to cause presentation of the available item ona user interface of a client device of the user.